Academic Writing Task 1 · bar chart

Number of Own Operated and Franchised Restaurants in Someland 2007-2012

The bar graph below shows the number of own operated and Franchised restaurants from 2007 to 2012 in Someland.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

Number of Restaurants in Someland

Own Operated Restaurants
Franchised Restaurants

View the data

	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	THROUGH 3Q 2012
Own Operated Restaurants	58	62	59	77	67	71
Franchised Restaurants	522	580	681	712	813	913

Chart redrawn by BandLadder from the data in the original IELTS practice task. Many IELTS practice tasks come from the Cambridge IELTS series (Cambridge University Press & Assessment); all rights in the original tasks remain with their owners.

Band 8 sample answer

The bar chart illustrates the growth in the number of own-operated and franchised restaurants in Someland between 2007 and the third quarter of 2012. Overall, it is evident that the total number of restaurants increased steadily over the six-year period, driven primarily by a substantial rise in franchised locations.

In 2007, there were 522 franchised restaurants, a figure that climbed consistently each year to reach 913 by the third quarter of 2012. This growth was particularly pronounced between 2008 and 2009, when the number of franchised outlets rose from 580 to 681. By contrast, the number of own-operated restaurants remained relatively low and stable. Starting at 58 in 2007, this figure fluctuated slightly, peaking at 77 in 2010 before dipping to 67 in 2011 and recovering to 71 by the third quarter of 2012.

Throughout the entire period, franchised restaurants consistently accounted for the vast majority of the total market. While the number of own-operated restaurants saw only marginal changes, the franchised sector expanded by nearly 75% from its 2007 levels, demonstrating a clear preference for the franchise business model in Someland.

182 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

How to write about bar charts

Compare the biggest and smallest bars before anything else.
If the bars show years, describe change; if they show places, describe rank.
Round sensibly and say 'just over' or 'nearly' rather than guessing decimals.

upward trend: a general direction in which something is developing
outnumbering: being more numerous than another group or category
pronounced: very noticeable, obvious, or strongly marked in character
fluctuated: rising and falling irregularly in number or amount
marginal: minor, small, or insignificant in terms of change
vast majority: a very large proportion of the total amount

Write your own report and get a band

Take a timed Academic writing test and get a band for task achievement, coherence, vocabulary and grammar, with the sentences to fix.

Practise IELTS Academic writing

On your phone? Get the BandLadder app.

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The total number of restaurants in Someland experienced a consistent upward trend throughout the period, with franchised outlets significantly outnumbering own-operated establishments.

How long should an IELTS Task 1 answer be?

At least 150 words; 170 to 200 is the safe range. Spend about 20 minutes on it and leave 40 for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.

How do I describe bar charts?

Compare the biggest and smallest bars before anything else. If the bars show years, describe change; if they show places, describe rank. Round sensibly and say 'just over' or 'nearly' rather than guessing decimals.